The Red Sox went 15-16 in these games, including losing six in a row in 2006. I'm not sure when this perception really took hold -- it goes back to at least 2003 with me -- but it undoubtedly got a big boost in early July 2006 -- after Boston lost three of these games in approximately two weeks (although were also some of the worst starting performances on the list).

This theory may have held water in 2004 and 2005, but it doesn't reflect the reality of the last two seasons.

I always see a lot of stats get referenced to the Elias Sports Bureau (or something like that). Obviously they have some pretty cool stuff as well. I was just thinking that working at a place like that must be pretty fun. Especially around the playoffs where you get all those crazy stats like post season extra base hits in a night game against a left hander who is working on 4 days rest in a deciding game.

For "pitchers with 10 or fewer appearances when the sox meet them": can you compare their record in their first 15 appearances with their record vs. the Sox? Because my perception has been that they get a lot better (pitch over their ability) not as much that they get Cy Young-ish.

You all are so much fun. I love all these stats. But I have a word question (since I am more a word person than a number person). This summer we had a big family debate over whether you refer to a single Boston player as a Red Sock. We split on this one. So, Red Sock et all, what do you think?

For "pitchers with 10 or fewer appearances when the sox meet them": can you compare their record in their first 15 appearances with their record vs. the Sox? Because my perception has been that they get a lot better (pitch over their ability) not as much that they get Cy Young-ish.

You might have to look at their game log for their first season to see if the Boston game stands out among the other outings.

In that linked list, you should be able to click on the names and check it out.